Gunmen killed two women in the Gyel community of Jos South Local Government Area, Plateau State, triggering protests by angry residents who blocked roads and carried the bodies to the local government secretariat. The victims were found dead in the early hours of Monday, July 20, 2026, behind the Jos South Local Government Secretariat.
Spontaneous protests erupt over recurring violence
Enraged by the recurring violence and perceived security lapses, local residents, including women and youths, launched spontaneous protests to register their anger. The protesters marched to the local government secretariat carrying the bodies of the deceased and demanded urgent action from authorities. They later blocked parts of the road leading to the secretariat, causing temporary disruption to vehicular movement as they called for improved security measures and justice for the victims.
One of the protesters, Mrs. Mary Chollom, condemned the killings, describing the incident as another painful reflection of the security challenges facing communities across Plateau State. She lamented that innocent residents, including women, children and farmers, have continued to suffer the consequences of violent attacks, leaving families traumatised and communities in fear.
Residents demand decisive government action
“We are tired of burying our loved ones. These women did nothing to deserve this. Government and security agencies must take decisive action to stop these senseless killings and ensure those responsible are brought to justice,” she said. She also appealed to both the federal and state governments to strengthen security operations in vulnerable communities and ensure residents can go about their daily activities without fear.
She urged security agencies to intensify surveillance, identify those behind the attack and bring them to justice, noting that accountability would help restore confidence among residents. The protest highlights growing frustration over insecurity in Plateau State, where communities have faced repeated attacks from gunmen in recent years.
